Now, a little history:
443 RCAF Squadron was formed in Canada in 1942. After conducting defensive patrols around Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, the Squadron was transferred to France in January 1944 and after the Invasion, joined 127 Wing and moved to B.3 at St. Croix-sur-Mer in Normandy. At that time, the Squadron was being led by its first Commander, S/L Wally McLeod, DFC and Bar.
Unfortunately, on the 27th of September 1944, S/L Wally McLeod was shot down and killed during the latter days of the Battle for Arnhem. This was a huge blow to 443 Squadron. At the time, F/L Art Sager was flying with 416 Squadron and on the 30th of September, 127 Wing was ordered to move to Grave, Holland. After taxiing his Spitfire, he was met by Group Captain McBrien. He offered to drive Art to the briefing hall where all the pilots of 443 were assembled. It was here, in front of the group, that the Group Captain said, “I’d like to introduce you to your new Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader Art Sager.” 443 Squadron had a new CO.
For the next 6 months, 443 Squadron led by S/L Art Sager, distinguished themselves in air combat and ground attack.
Art later wrote a book about his experiences as a Spitfire pilot called 'Line Shoot'. Oddly enough, he chose the 'Ladykiller' nose art to describe the deadly siren-like aircraft he flew, squadron members thought it was an advertisement about Art's skill with the fairer sex and never let him live it down.
R.I.P. Sqn Ldr Arthur Hazelton Sager, 1916-2007.
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